Islamic Countries Condemn Gaza Deaths as Israel Prepares to Open Rafah Crossing
A group of eight Islamic countries condemned Israel on Sunday, accusing the country of repeated ceasefire "violations" after airstrikes killed at least 30 Gazans over the weekend, according to Sky News. The condemnation came as Israel prepared to open the Rafah crossing.
The Israeli airstrikes occurred on Saturday in Khan Younis, Gaza, as reported by the Associated Press and cited by Sky News. In addition to the recent violence, Israel's Diaspora Ministry announced plans to ban medical aid charity Doctors Without Borders, also known as Médecins Sans Frontières, a move likely to attract further criticism, according to Sky News.
In other international news, Iranian protester Erfan Soltani, 26, who was arrested during protests on January 8, was released on bail after his family was told he faced the death penalty, Sky News reported. Kurdish and Iranian human rights organization Hengaw and Iranian state media ISNA confirmed Soltani's release. US President Donald Trump had previously warned he would take "strong action" if any protesters were executed, according to Sky News.
Meanwhile, in Europe, the formation of the Bundeswehr's brigade in Lithuania moved into a new phase on January 29, with two combat battalions subordinated to the brigade as part of Germany's gradual force build-up in Lithuania, Euronews reported. According to a Bundeswehr general, Germany is preparing for the possibility of a Russian attack within the next two years. Gerald Funke, head of the Bundeswehr's new Support Command, told The Times that a potential "worst-case scenario" could entail a large-scale Russian attack on NATO in the Baltic states, Euronews reported. Germany would be immediately involved in any such attack.
Separately, Denmark has begun talks with the United States over a potential Greenland deal, Euronews reported. Experts told Euronews Health that Denmark's largest industry, including pharmaceutical exports worth approximately DKK 21.5 billion (2.8 billion) in 2024, may not give it much leverage in negotiations.
Discussion
AI Experts & Community
Be the first to comment